SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In an impressive start to spring training, Corbin Burnes, a four-time All-Star, showcased his talent for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday by striking out all three batters from the Colorado Rockies that he faced.
The 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner managed to retire Brenton Doyle, Kyle Farmer, and Ryan McMahon in just 16 pitches, benefitting from the new Automated Ball-Strike System that aided his performance.
“It felt great to get out there,” Burnes expressed. “It was a nice way to shake off some rust and have a relatively quick outing.”
Catcher Gabriel Moreno prompted a review on a low fastball that was initially ruled a ball against Farmer but was overturned to strike three upon review as it grazed the bottom of the strike zone. Burnes displayed good velocity, with his fastball reaching nearly 95 mph.
Eager to maximize his mound time during the spring, Burnes personally requested to kick off the Cactus League opener.
“The more opportunities I have in game situations, the more comfortable I feel, which ultimately helps me prepare better for the season,” Burnes noted.
Burnes agreed to a surprising six-year contract worth $210 million with the Diamondbacks in December. This decision aligns with his personal life, as he resides in the Phoenix area and wants to be present for his young family.
Having turned 30 last October, Burnes recorded a 15-9 win-loss record with a commendable 2.92 ERA last season for the Baltimore Orioles, who acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers via trade. His consistency has earned him All-Star status in each of the last four years.
Manager Torey Lovullo is still weighing options for the opening day pitcher, set for March 27 against the Chicago Cubs, with Burnes and Zac Gallen emerging as strong candidates given Gallen’s impressive performance over the past three seasons.
“It’s going to be a tough discussion for me, but not for them,” Lovullo remarked. “From everything I gather about Corbin and what I know of Zac, I think they would both understand and support whichever decision is made.”
The Diamondbacks appear to have a promising starting rotation that includes Burnes, Gallen, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Jordan Montgomery, all of whom are considered strong options.
